3/10/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values.

The Senior Counsel, Real Estate / Environmental, will provide advice, counsel, representation, and supervision of environmental matters within the Real Estate Practice of the Commercial Transactions Center of Excellence. The Senior Counsel reports directly to the Senior Lead Counsel, Real Estate and is accountable for delivering excellent legal services to advance MassDOT and the MBTA’s interests relative to environmental, land use, and permitting matters. The Senior Counsel provides supervision and management of in-house attorneys, outside counsel, paralegals, and support staff.

• Provide management and oversight of all environmental, land use, and permitting matters within the Office of the General Counsel.
• Provide advice and counsel to internal clients relating to compliance with environmental policies and legal requirements affecting MassDOT and MBTA’s operations, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, TSCA, CERCLA, Environmental Justice, Sustainability and MEPA/NEPA.
• Provide legal guidance and policy development related to MassDOT and MBTA’s efforts to implement and enforce transportation-related environmental policies, regulations, and legislation.
• Provide advice and counsel related to MassDOT and MBTA’s interactions with federal, state, and local environmental agencies.
• Handle environmental transactional matters related to contracts, licenses, leases, easements, and permitting in connection with construction projects, development projects, and MassDOT and MBTA operations.
• Represent MassDOT and MBTA in local, state, and federal environmental administrative proceedings.
• Represent MassDOT and MBTA in M.G.L. c. 21E, Section 4A pre-litigation matters and proceedings.
• Supervise the work of outside legal counsel.
• Develop policy and best practices related to environmental transactions.

• Support the development of the Office of the General Counsel budget, including management of outside counsel task order process and invoice review.

• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a professional and courteous manner.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed
• Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.

• Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA’s medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Have a satisfactory work record including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records. For internal candidates, the aforementioned applies to the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of the posting. Infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration.

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar.
• Six (6) years of experience in theory, principles, and practices of environmental law.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and writing.
• Must have current licensure and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the duties of the position.
• The ability to pass background screenings; a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check; and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• The ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement.
• The ability to provide internal and external clients with professional advice and counsel.
• The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

No Substitutions

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays
• Retirement: pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer